By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
The Zamfara State Police Command has denied the news going viral that armed bandits blocked Gusau-Sokoto highway and abducted 26 travelers at Kwaren Kirya village in Maru Local Government Area of the state.
A press release issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Yazid Abubakar, explained that
on Tuesdsy February 20, 2024 at about 0900 hours, information was received that armed bandits blocked Gusau-Sokoto highway with the intent to perpetuate their nefarious acts.
On receiving the information the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maru Division mobilized his Anti-Kidnap team, in collaboration with the team of Police Mobile Force deployed for quick intervention by the Command Headquarters, swung into action, and engaged the bandits in a gun duel.
According to the PPRO, due to the pressure mounted by
the two police teams, the bandits took to their heels and entered the bush with possible gun wounds, the release added.
The Command, therefore, cleared the misconception that the bandits abducted 26 passengers from an 18-seater Toyota bus and a Volkswagen Golf vehicle,, saying it is misleading.
He said travellers were not abducted as the police operatives salvaged the situation and that normalcy had since been restored and adequate measures taken to avoid the re-occurring of the incident.
He said joint surveillance patrol of the area had been intensified even as he urged the good people of the state and Nigeria in general to disregard the disinformation, ostensibly orchestrated in “an attempt to disrupt the great operational effect of the police and other sister security agencies in the state.
He also urged journalists to always contact the Command Police Public Relations Officer to verify their information before going to the press.
“Well-meaning members of the State are urged to assist the Command with the relevant information required to bring an end to these nefarious acts and bring about absolute normalcy in the State,” the Zamfara PPRO said.
